CN113386783B

CN113386783B - Method and apparatus for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN113386783B
Application number: CN202110256198.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: A.古达齐; S.P.林登塔尔; A.M.阿布德尔-拉曼; U.萨尼; J.汉利; N.J.威格特
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2020-03-10
Filing date: 2021-03-09
Publication date: 2024-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-09
Also published as: US11577782B2; US20210284240A1; DE102021103021A1; CN113386783A

Abstract

Provided are a method and apparatus for performing an assisted drive-trailer reversing operation, the apparatus comprising: a camera for capturing an image; an interactive user interface for displaying a graphical user interface and receiving user input; a processor for generating a graphical user interface in response to user input indicating a trailer destination, generating a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to a trailer size and a hitch angle, and generating an intended trailer path in response to a trailer destination, wherein the graphical user interface includes the image and a plurality of graphics overlaid on the image indicating the left maneuverability margin, right maneuverability margin, intended trailer path, and trailer destination; and a vehicle controller for performing a trailer reversing operation in response to the control signal.

Description

Method and apparatus for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a system for providing an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a user interface to a motor vehicle having an enhanced rear trailer view with active guiding layers and vehicle control inputs in a trailer application.

Background

Towing a trailer with a towing vehicle has been and is still a complex task for many drivers and autopilot systems. Spherical hitch hooks are commonly used as trailer connection and provide a joint between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Aiming the trailer involves rotating the rear of the towing vehicle in a direction opposite to the desired direction of the trailer. Reversing the trailer and completing the trailer in the desired location can be a difficult task for many drivers. In addition, the driver's line of sight is often obscured by the trailer, thereby requiring a second person outside the vehicle to obtain visual confirmation and provide feedback to the driver during reverse operation. In addition, the currently employed systems require additional hardware, such as knobs, and add cost and visual complexity to the vehicle. It is desirable to provide improved trailer control for a vehicle operator during reverse trailer operation while overcoming the problems set forth above.

The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to those of ordinary skill in the art in this country.

Disclosure of Invention

Disclosed herein are vehicle control methods and systems for supply vehicle systems and related control logic, methods of manufacturing such systems and methods for operating such systems, and motor vehicles equipped with onboard control systems. By way of example and not limitation, various embodiments of a system for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle are presented, and methods for controlling automatic trailer reversing of trailer operation in a motor vehicle are disclosed herein.

According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus has: a camera for capturing an image of the trailer field of view; an interactive user interface for displaying a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface includes a virtual slider button and receives user input in response to user positioning of the virtual slider button; a processor for generating a graphical user interface in response to user input indicating a trailer destination, the processor further for generating a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to trailer size and hitch angle, and generating an intended trailer path in response to trailer destination, wherein the graphical user interface includes the image and a plurality of graphics overlaid on the image indicating the left maneuverability margin, right maneuverability margin, intended trailer path, and trailer destination; and a vehicle controller for performing a trailer reversing operation in response to the control signal.

According to another aspect of the invention, the virtual slider button is displayed on a graphical user interface, and wherein the interactive user interface is a touch sensitive display screen.

According to another aspect of the invention, the trailer path is expected to be determined in response to the hitch angle, the trailer destination, and the trailer size.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vehicle controller is configured to perform a trailer reversing operation in response to user confirmation indicating a user confirmation of the trailer destination and the intended trailer path.

According to another aspect of the invention, the processor is further configured to generate a request for user confirmation in response to receiving a user input indicating a destination of the trailer, and wherein the indication of the request for user confirmation is displayed on the interactive user interface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vehicle controller is further configured to control the trailer along the intended trailer path in response to the control signal.

According to another aspect of the invention, a depth sensor is also included for determining depth information within the trailer field of view, and wherein the predicted trailer path is determined in response to the depth information.

According to another aspect of the invention, the right and left maneuverability margins are generated in response to a hitch angle, a trailer length, and a hitch length.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method comprises: capturing an image by a camera, wherein the image includes a rear field of view from a trailer; generating, by the processor, a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to the hitch angle and the trailer size; displaying the image, left maneuverability margin, and right maneuverability margin on a touch-sensitive user interface; receiving user input indicating a trailer destination between a left mobility margin and a right mobility margin; generating, by the processor, an expected trailer path in response to the trailer destination; the vehicle controller is used to control the reverse operation of the trailer along the intended trailer path to the trailer destination.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for displaying an expected trailer path on a touch-sensitive user interface in response to generating the expected trailer path.

According to another aspect of the invention, a user confirmation request is displayed in response to generating the projected trailer path, and wherein the trailer reversing operation is initiated in response to a positive user response to the user confirmation request.

According to another aspect of the invention, the trailer destination is received in response to the position of the virtual slider bar.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes generating a default trailer destination and a default predicted trailer path in response to the left mobility margin and the right mobility margin.

According to another aspect of the invention, the camera is mounted at the rear of the trailer and the image is received through the trailer interface module.

According to another aspect of the invention, the touch sensitive user interface is a center stack vehicle display within the cabin.

According to another aspect of the invention, an advanced driver assistance system includes: a camera for capturing a field of view of a rear of the trailer; a user interface for displaying a graphical user interface and for receiving user input indicating a final trailer destination; a processor for estimating left and right maneuverability margins in response to the hitch angle, the trailer length, and the hitch length, the processor further for generating a default trailer path in response to the default trailer destination and generating a graphical user interface comprising an image, the left maneuverability margin, the right maneuverability margin, the default trailer destination, and the default intended trailer destination. The processor is further configured to generate a final projected trailer path in response to a user input indicating a final trailer destination; and a vehicle controller configured to perform a driving assist operation in response to the final predicted trailer path.

The advanced driver assistance system of claim 17 further comprising a lidar for detecting depth information within a field of view of the trailer, and wherein the final projected trailer path is determined in response to the depth information.

According to another aspect of the invention, the user interface is a touch sensitive display mounted within the traction vehicle cabin.

According to another aspect of the invention, the graphical interface further comprises a virtual slider bar, and wherein the final trailer destination is determined in response to a position of the virtual slider on the virtual slider bar.

Drawings

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates an application of a method and apparatus for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an image of an exemplary user interface for use in an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart representing a method for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram representing a system for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart representing a method for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary environment 100 for a method and apparatus for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle is shown. The exemplary environment 100 shows a towing vehicle 110 and a trailer 120 equipped with an exemplary system. The exemplary environment 100 also shows: a pair mobility margin indicating a range of possible paths for the trailer 120; a target line 140 indicating a currently desired navigation centerline and destination of the trailer 120; and an expected path 150 indicating a path navigated by the trailer 120 that takes into account the physical dimensions of the trailer 120.

It is desirable to provide a system for assisting a driver in reversing a trailer with a towing vehicle. Even experienced trailer operators may sometimes have difficulty judging the size and geometry of the trailer reversing operation, and may have to repeat the operation multiple times before the trailer finally reaches the desired location. Since the driver's view is often blocked by the trailer, this operation may also require the assistance of a second person to provide feedback regarding the trailer's position. Previous systems proposed for assisting in these towing operations required additional hardware, such as knobs and the like, to allow the driver to "steer" the towing vehicle 120 conventionally, while the vehicle control system compensates for the pivot point of the hitch and hitch assembly. The presently disclosed method and apparatus may be used with any type of hitch and will be used with a fifth wheel type trailer or the like. It is desirable to provide a system that will allow the driver to indicate the desired trailer destination and provide visual feedback to the driver of the final intended path 150 of the trailer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the enhanced display may show lines that may be displayed to indicate two types of path indicators. If the user holds the direction/finger at the current slider position, the trailer reversing path may be the predicted path that the trailer will reach. The mobility margin or guidance on the periphery of the display may account for "left and right mobility margin without folding". Reversing the trailer in the area enclosed by these "non-folding mobility margins" does not result in folding. If the user chooses to direct the predicted path beyond these margins, the trailer will eventually fold. Thus, these lines mark areas where safe backing is possible.

Turning now to fig. 2, an exemplary environment 200 for a method and apparatus for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle is illustrated. The exemplary environment 200 shows a user interface 210 displayed on a vehicle center stack screen 220. The exemplary user interface 210 assists the driver in selecting a trailer destination through the center stack screen 220 using the touch control slider 230 while having a rear view of the trailer enhanced by active guidance indicators indicating target points 260, mobility margins 240, projected trailer paths 250, and sensor detection ranges 270. Using the exemplary user interface 210, the driver may use the touch control slider 230 to determine the location of the target point 260 within the mobility margin 240. When the target point 260 is adjusted using the touch control slider 230, the predicted trailer path 250 is updated, indicating to the driver the navigation route the trailer is to travel on its way to the target point 260, so that the driver can predict potential obstacles while determining the target point 260. In another exemplary embodiment, the touch interface may be further used to increase the distance of the target point 260 from the rear of the trailer. In response, the fields of view of the images within the user interface 210 and the projected trailer path 250 will be adjusted accordingly.

When using the exemplary user interface 220, the mobility margin 240, the target point 260, and the predicted path 250 are displayed to the driver while the driver determines the target point 260. An Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) may then automatically steer the vehicle to the selected target point 260. The exemplary system advantageously eliminates the difficulties encountered in manual reversing of a trailer and eliminates the need for additional physical control of the reversing aid system.

In an exemplary embodiment, a system for automatic reverse operation in trailer mode utilizing a center stack display with a convenient and human-machine interface utilizes an image captured by a trailer reverse camera that is displayed as part of a user interface 220 on a vehicle center stack screen 210. The vehicle operator then indicates the target point 260 on a defined radius in the user interface using the slider bar 230. Vehicle operation benefits from enhanced display of a rear view including, for example, a mobility margin 240 and a guideline of the intended trailer path 250. In another exemplary embodiment, the slider bar 230 may be replaced by a knob or any other suitable type of touch screen controller, button, or user input interface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ADAS may perform various algorithms, such as hitch angle estimation, destination point coordinate estimation, steering control, projected path calculation, and mobility margin calculation, in response to vehicle operator target point selection.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an exemplary system 300 for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle is shown. The system 300 may include a processor 330, a vehicle controller 345, a user interface module 320, a trailer interface 350, a lidar 312, and a camera 310.

In an exemplary embodiment, the camera 310 may be mounted to the rear of the trailer and the captured image may be coupled to the processor via the trailer interface module 350. Alternatively, the camera 310 may be one or more of a plurality of cameras mounted to the towing vehicle for capturing images of individual camera fields of view (FOV). The individual FOVs may be combined to generate a composite FOV displaying a rear view of a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle such that the trailer hitch assembly is visible within an image captured by the camera. Alternatively or additionally, the camera 310 may be one of a plurality of cameras mounted at separate locations around the vehicle and then aligned together in a panoramic or overhead view. The camera 310 may transmit an image or series of images to the processor 330 or video controller to process the images and couple the signals to the processor 330. In another exemplary embodiment, the image may be enhanced with data from lidar 312 or radar to provide depth information as well as information about covered or partially covered areas of the image or areas of insufficient light or oversaturation of the image. The exemplary system may also include a lidar 312 for capturing depth information of objects and surfaces within the camera FOV. Lidar 312 may be mounted at the rear of the trailer or may be integral with the towing vehicle. In another alternative embodiment, other depth sensing or imaging techniques may also be used, such as lidar, a set of stereo cameras, or high resolution ultrasound.

The user interface 320 may include a touch screen display for displaying an enhanced user interface including a rear trailer view image and receiving user input on a display user input device such as a touch screen slider bar. The user interface 350 may be used to receive user input indicating a request to initiate a trailer mode or initiate a method associated therewith. For example, a vehicle operator may initiate a trailer mode of operation for a towing vehicle using user interface module 350.

The processor 330 may be an ADAS processor and may perform various algorithms such as hitch angle estimation, destination point coordinate estimation, steering control, projected path calculation, and mobility margin calculation in response to vehicle operator target point selection. In response to the vehicle operator target point selection, the processor may be operable to generate a graphical user interface to display the mobility margin, the default target point, the projected vehicle path, etc., as an enhanced display on the image received from the camera. Thus, in response to the graphical user interface, the vehicle operator may identify an intended trailer path for the intended destination and a mobility margin within which the trailer may be positioned during a reverse operation.

In the exemplary embodiment, processor 330 is then operable to generate control signals in response to the projected trailer path and couple these control signals to vehicle controller 345. The processor may execute an ADAS algorithm or the like to generate control signals to guide the trailer along the intended trailer path. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 330 is an ADAS controller and the trailer route calculation is performed by the ADAS controller. The ADAS controller may be used to control propulsion of the vehicle along a path calculated in response to a target point indicated by a vehicle operator. In another exemplary embodiment, the processor 330 may include a vehicle controller 345, which may be in direct communication with a throttle controller, a brake controller, and/or a steering controller.

The vehicle controller 345 may be configured to receive control signals from the processor 330 and control the vehicle in response thereto. The control signals may include specific navigational route information, may include a destination location, or may include specific steering control, throttle control, and braking control commands.

Turning now to fig. 4, a flowchart is shown representing an exemplary method for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle 400 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the method is first used to receive a request 410 to start an automatic trailer reversing system. The request may be generated in response to the traction vehicle being in a trailer mode and the traction vehicle transmission being shifted to a reverse position. In an exemplary embodiment, the trailer mode may be initiated in response to the trailer being connected to a vehicle trailer hitch or a trailer interface module. In another exemplary embodiment, the trailer mode may be initiated by the vehicle operator selecting the trailer mode via the vehicle user interface or requesting initiation of an automatic trailer reversing system and/or the user interface.

The method is then used to receive 420 an image from a rear view camera or the like having a field of view from a rear view of the trailer. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on the rear of the trailer or may be generated in response to multiple images captured by multiple cameras each having a different FOV. The multiple images may be combined using image processing techniques to generate a composite image of the FOV of the rear of the trailer.

The method is next used to determine 430 a vehicle hitch angle as an input to a steering control algorithm. The vehicle hitch may be determined in response to an image captured by a camera mounted at the rear of the towing vehicle. The system may then be used to determine a hitch angle between the center line of the towing vehicle and the trailer estimated using image processing techniques such as edge detection. Alternatively, the hitch angle may be determined in response to a dynamic sensor in the towing vehicle, trailer, or hitch assembly. For example, the hitch angle may be estimated in response to lateral forces applied and detected at the trailer hitch assembly during vehicle movement.

The method is then used to determine 440 a mobility margin for the trailer. The mobility margin may be determined in response to a maximum hitch angle of the trailer and vehicle combination and over a reverse distance. The mobility margin represents the maximum lateral position of the trailer during reverse operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle operator may select the target point only within the mobility margin. Any target point outside the mobility margin will require the towing vehicle to move forward to move back the start of the reverse operation.

The method is next used to determine 450 a default predicted path. In an exemplary embodiment, the default projected path may be established in response to a target point centered between mobility margins at a camera range limit or a default distance from the rear of the trailer. The default projected path may be an initially determined projected path from which the vehicle operator may adjust the destination point to establish an updated projected path.

The method is next for generating 455 a user interface overlay for display on a towing vehicle center stack screen. The user interface may include an enhanced image with a mobility margin, a default predicted path, and a default target point overlaid on the captured image. Additionally, the user interface may include a touch control slider bar having virtual slider buttons. The default position of the virtual slider button will correspond to the position of the default target point. For example, if the default target point is halfway between the mobility margins, the default position of the virtual slider button will be at the center of the touch control slider bar.

The method is next for receiving 460 a user input indicating a target point of a final destination of the trailer. User input of the target point may be established in response to user positioning of the virtual slider button on the touch control slider bar. For example, the user may slide the virtual slider button along the touch control slider bar and, in response, expect that the target point will move accordingly along the path between the mobility margins. In an exemplary embodiment, after a duration of time has elapsed, the position of the virtual slider button will be used to determine an updated target point in response to user input. In another exemplary embodiment, the user may adjust the trailer path as the vehicle moves, thereby making incremental changes in direction to the destination.

The method is next for determining 470 an updated projected path in response to the updated target point. The method is then used to update the graphical user interface with the updated projected path. The method is next for receiving 480 a user confirmation that the updated target path and the updated target point are the desired final target point and the corresponding predicted path. User confirmation may be received in response to a system prompt, virtual button press, or other affirmative user input.

The method is then used to control 490 the vehicle in response to the predicted path and target point. The vehicle may be controlled in response to one or more control signals generated by the ADAS processor performing a drive-assisted reverse operation, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle may stop the reverse operation in response to a brake press by the vehicle operator or other user input indicating a request to stop the reverse operation.

Turning now to fig. 5, a block diagram is shown representing a system 500 for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary system includes a camera 510, an interactive user interface 520, a processor 530, and a vehicle controller 540.

In an exemplary embodiment, the camera 510 may be used to capture an image of the trailer field of view. The camera 510 may be mounted on the rear of the trailer or may be one or more cameras mounted on the towing vehicle, wherein their combined FOV may be used to capture the field of view of the rear area of the trailer. In another exemplary embodiment, the camera 510 may include a depth sensor, such as a lidar or radar, for determining depth information within the trailer FOV. An expected trailer path may be determined in response to the depth information.

The exemplary system may further include a user interface 520, such as an interactive user interface, for displaying a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface includes virtual slider buttons and receives user input in response to user positioning of the virtual slider buttons. In an exemplary embodiment, the virtual slider button is displayed on a graphical user interface, and wherein the interactive user interface is a touch sensitive display screen. In another exemplary embodiment, the user interface 520 may be a touch pad or other touch sensitive user interface 520. The touch pad may be used in conjunction with a display.

The exemplary system may further include a processor 530 for generating a graphical user interface in response to a user input indicating a trailer destination, the processor further for generating a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to a trailer size and a hitch angle, and generating an intended trailer path in response to the trailer destination, wherein the graphical user interface includes an image and a plurality of graphics overlaid on the image indicating the left maneuverability margin, the right maneuverability margin, the intended trailer path, and the trailer destination. In an exemplary embodiment, the predicted trailer path may be determined in response to a hitch angle, a trailer destination, and a trailer size. In another exemplary embodiment, the processor 530 is configured to generate a request for user confirmation in response to receiving a user input indicating a trailer destination, and wherein an indication of the request for user confirmation is displayed on the interactive user interface. In another exemplary embodiment, the right and left maneuverability margins may be generated in response to a hitch angle, a trailer length, and a hitch length.

The exemplary system may also include a vehicle controller 540 for performing trailer reversing operations in response to control signals. The vehicle controller is configured to perform a trailer reversing operation in response to user confirmation indicating a user confirmation of the trailer destination and the intended trailer path. The vehicle controller is also configured to control the trailer along the intended trailer path in response to the control signal.

In another embodiment, exemplary system 500 may be an advanced driver assistance system, comprising: a camera 510 for capturing a field of view of the rear of the trailer; a user interface 520 for displaying a graphical user interface and receiving user input indicating a final trailer destination; a processor 530 for estimating left and right maneuverability margins in response to the hitch angle, the trailer length, and the hitch length, the processor further for generating a default trailer path in response to the default trailer destination and generating a graphical user interface comprising an image, the left maneuverability margin, the right maneuverability margin, the default trailer destination, and the default intended trailer destination. The processor is further configured to generate a final projected trailer path in response to a user input indicating a final trailer destination; and a vehicle controller 540 configured to perform a driving assist operation in response to the final predicted trailer path.

Advanced driver assistance system 500 may also include a depth sensor, such as a lidar, for detecting depth information within the field of view of the trailer, and wherein the final projected trailer path is determined in response to the depth information. The user interface 520 may be a touch sensitive display mounted within the traction vehicle cabin for displaying a graphical interface including a virtual slider bar, and wherein the final trailer destination is determined in response to the position of the virtual slider bar on the virtual slider.

Turning now to fig. 6, a flow chart is shown representing a method 600 for an automatic trailer reversing system in a motor vehicle in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary method 600 first serves to capture 610 an image by a camera, wherein the image includes a rear field of view from a trailer. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera may be mounted at the rear of the trailer and receive the image through the trailer interface module.

The method is then used to generate 620, by the processor, a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to the hitch angle and the trailer size.

The method may then display 630 the image, the left mobility margin, and the right mobility margin on a touch-sensitive user interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may generate a default trailer destination and a default projected trailer path in response to the left mobility margin and the right mobility margin. In another exemplary embodiment, the right and left maneuverability margins may be generated in response to a hitch angle, a trailer length, and a hitch length.

The method is then configured for receiving 640 a user input indicating a trailer destination between the left mobility margin and the right mobility margin. In an exemplary embodiment, the trailer destination is received in response to the position of the virtual slider bar. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive user interface may be a center stack vehicle display within the cabin.

The method is next for generating 650, by the processor, an expected trailer path in response to the trailer destination. The method may then display the projected trailer path on the touch-sensitive user interface in response to generating the projected trailer path.

The method then provides for controlling 660 a reverse operation of the trailer along the intended trailer path to the trailer destination using the vehicle controller.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method may be further for displaying a user confirmation request, such as a pop-up screen, an audio prompt, or a virtual user input, such as a button displayed on a user interface, in response to generating the projected trailer path, and wherein the trailer reversing operation is initiated in response to a positive user response to the user confirmation request.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for performing an assisted drive-trailer reversing operation, comprising:

A camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle for capturing an image of the rear field of view of the trailer;

An interactive user interface for displaying a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface includes a slider button to receive user input in response to user positioning of the slider button;

A processor for generating a graphical user interface in response to user input, the user positioning of the slider button for indicating a trailer destination, the processor further for generating an intended trailer path in response to the trailer destination, wherein the graphical user interface includes the image and a plurality of graphics overlaid on the image indicating the intended trailer path, left maneuverability margin, right maneuverability margin, and trailer destination, and wherein the user positioning of the slider button further alters the position of the trailer destination displayed on the image by the graphical user interface; and

A vehicle controller for performing a trailer reversing operation in response to the predicted trailer path.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the slider button is displayed on the graphical user interface, and wherein the interactive user interface is a touch-sensitive display screen.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the projected trailer path is determined in response to a hitch angle, a trailer destination, and a trailer size.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle controller is to perform the trailer reversing operation in response to user confirmation of the trailer destination and an intended trailer path.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left and right maneuverability margins are generated in response to trailer size and hitch angle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the right and left maneuverability margins are generated in response to the hitch angle, trailer length, and hitch length.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle controller is further for controlling a trailer along the predicted trailer path in response to the predicted trailer path.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a depth sensor for determining depth information within the trailer field of view, and wherein the projected trailer path is determined in response to the depth information.

9. A method for performing an assisted drive-trailer reversing operation, comprising:

Capturing an image by a camera, wherein the image includes a rear field of view from a trailer;

generating, by the processor, a left maneuverability margin and a right maneuverability margin in response to the hitch angle and the trailer size;

displaying the image, left maneuverability margin, right maneuverability margin, and trailer destination on a touch-sensitive user interface comprising slider buttons;

Receiving user input in response to a user positioning a slider button to adjust a trailer destination between a left mobility margin and a right mobility margin, wherein the user positioning of the slider button changes a position of the trailer destination displayed on the image through the touch-sensitive user interface;

Generating, by the processor, an expected trailer path in response to the trailer destination;

The vehicle controller is used to control the reverse operation of the trailer along the intended trailer path to the trailer destination.

10. The method of claim 9, further for displaying the projected trailer path on the touch-sensitive user interface in response to generating the projected trailer path.